Intermediate CJ-5 Frame dimensions (again)

Hi,

I need to build a new frame for my (1974) CJ-5. I would like to build as close to the original specifications as possible, both for the obvious reason that I want all my previous investments to bolt on with minimal fuss as well as for the benefit of future upgrades that may be purchased "off the rack."

I've done a bit of research over the past couple of days and am going to post all of the results here in followup posts.

I am well aware that you have to be practically crazy to build a custom fame when AFW and Matkins and whoever else out there has figured this stuff all out and can readily supply one for short $$, but my main reason is that this is a hobby for me and fabrication is fun.

-Eric

 

I have some images to post but the size limit on this board is preventing it, so here are some links to some posts I found very interesting & helpful:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=334805

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=335038

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=269680

 

As I said earlier, I have some jpgs of intermediate frame specifications. Basically, I have the top view with dimensioning for body mounts, spring mounts, etc. I can post them or email them to whomever wants em (hopefully someone with a space somewhere to link to them from this thread).

I also have the "alignment view". Again this is a top down view showing measuring points and what the dimensions should be in a properly aligned frame. It's in spanish, but the measurements are in inches and mm.

What I still need is the elevation view with dimensioning. I don't want to have to measure my beat up CJ for the elevation view if it's not necessary.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Eric

 

you wouldn't happen to have a link to "Matkins" or whatever the place is called would ya?

 

Just Google "Matkins Extreme", "Matkins frame", etc, and you'll find them.

 

thanx, found em

 

Well I'm still waiting on an elevation view (anyone... anyone...). In the meantime, I'm trying to decide on .120 vs. .180 square tubing. Pricewise, it's a wash and weight is about 50% more for the .180. I tend to think the .180 is easier to weld, but is it going to be that much of a benefit considering I am planning to sleave all holes with schedule 40?

I am trying to remind myself that drilling all those holes is going to be 50% harder with .180, but in 15 years when I'm still Plowing with the CJ (around 20 hrs / year plowing time), will I really care?

Eric

 

I think if I were building a frame from scratch I'd go .180. Its overkill and it weighs more, but its weight down low and a stronger than necessary frame never hurt anyone. I doubt you'd notice the holes being 50% harder to drill, espicially if you predrilled as much as possible on a drill press.

Never seen an elevation view for an early cj frame just the top view. Maybe someone has a frame spec book out there somewhere that will show it. Otherwise your on you own. Rear isn't too hard to figure out, its the front thats a pain. Seems to go from 4" thick frame rails in the middle to 4.5" over the front axle to 3.5 at the front bumper. I think with some simplification and modification it shouldn't be too hard to come up with a plan.

I started doing some drawings in autocad, but I think I've pretty much shelved that project for the time being. Don't know if I can post them up or if they'd even be usefull.

Kevo

 

There are drawings floating around of the CJ and Wrangler frames. There is a thread on Pirate (CJ Frame Tech TOTW, IIRC) with pics, but they're too small to be useful. Some digging should come up with readable drawings, but I haven't found them yet.